Philly Takes Bite Out Of Big Apple

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) — In a week filled with storylines built for Philadelphia versus New York – congratulations Philly!

It started on Wednesday with free agent pitcher Cliff Lee officially signing with the Phillies.

No matter what Yankees’ fans say, they were banking on Lee playing in the Bronx, and when he accepted less money to return to Philadelphia, when he decided on wearing the red pinstripes instead of the blue, they were very bitter.

Score one for the City of Brotherly Love.

On Saturday, the impact wasn’t nearly as big, but the Flyers and their fans aren’t complaining.

The Rangers came into the Wells Fargo Center with something to prove. They had already lost here in early November. Sergei Bobrovsky was the Flyers’ netminder on that day.

This time it was Brian Boucher between the pipes. The same Boucher, who back in April, stuffed Olli Jokinen on the final attempt of a shootout to send New York home for the offseason and the orange and black into the playoffs.

This particular game proved to be a lot less dramatic, but the result was the same – a Flyers win and a Rangers loss.

Score another one for Philadelphia.

And then there was the Eagles-Giants game on Sunday.

All that was on the line was first place in the NFC East and — for all intent — a division crown.

If you changed the channel in the fourth quarter, most people would understand. But if you remember what happened on November 19th, 1978 – you would realize that no game is over until the game clock shows all zeros, especially when the Eagles visit the Meadowlands.

The venue was different this time and there was no Herman Edwards. No, this time it was DeSean Jackson escorting the pigskin into the endzone, completing a remarkable comeback and dealing another blow to sports fans in the Big Apple.

It didn’t seem possible.

For three-and-half quarters, the Eagles appeared to be overmatched. For three-and-a-half quarters, the Giants were simply the better team. But they play 60 minutes in the NFL – and the Eagles needed every second to pull off one of the greatest comebacks in league history.

With the Eagles trailing 31-10, midway through the fourth quarter, and the hopes of Eagles’ fans dwindling to almost nothing, Michael Vick hit tight end Brent Celek for a 65-yard touchdown pass.

Hold on! Giants 31, Eagles 17.

Philadelphia followed that up with a surprise onside kick recovery by Riley Cooper, then marched down the field and scored on a Vick, four-yard touchdown run with 5:28 to go.

What’s this? Giants 31, Eagles 24.

Following a critical stop by the Eagles defense, Vick orchestrated an 88-yard drive, culminating with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Maclin with just 1:16 remaining.

Wow! Giants 31, Eagles 31.

Then it happened. With just 14 seconds left in regulation and the Giants facing a fourth down – rookie punter Matt Dodge took a high snap and kicked it to Jackson. After initially dropping the football, Jackson picked it up, split the seam and raced into the endzone as time expired, capping an unbelievable comeback and sealing the win for the Eagles.

‘Tis the season for miracles! Eagles 38, Giants 31.

Score a trifecta for the city of Philadelphia and its fans.

What do you suppose would’ve happened if the Sixers had played the Knicks?